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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116570  Bachelor of Science 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification seeks to empower a learner with skills for the commercial, health, financial, and government sectors as well as further advancement leading to research and teaching. In addition it gives an opportunity to can pursue Postgraduate studies.

The Bachelor of Science qualification seeks to empower the learner with knowledge of different science specialisations. These specialisations are Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Science and Occupational and Environmental Science.

Rationale:
Knowledge of the structure and functions of biological molecules as well as that of Biochemical techniques are required for employment in the pharmaceutical, brewery, forensic science pathology laboratories and biotechnology industries. Learners will also find a vast rage of occupations to choose from, including nature conservation, teaching, eco-tourism, laboratory technicians, researchers within the different fields of life sciences, environmentalists, paleontologists, parasitologists, etc. The qualification meets specific needs that will make learners to be employable in all industries and sectors mentioned above. Typical learners are mostly young male and female black South African who have recently matriculated and who meet the entry requirements. Learners enrolling for this qualification will have a diverse career path with a high chance of employment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification abides by the institutional RPL, national, and SAQA policies with equal access granted to all learners regardless of race, age, or creed provided the minimum entry requirements are met. Those with relevant prior learning are duly acknowledged and credited when they enrol for the qualification. A learner is credited for the equivalent module if the content of the module offered by the institution is similar to what we offer. That process involves learner making an application to the Dean of School and the department making an evaluation and then making a recommendation to the Dean for crediting the learner if there is a similarity. In the case of someone from industry, the learner will have to submit evidence from employer to show competence in a subject matter for example if he/she was a developer, the learner will be acknowledged and credited for equivalent modules on offer. A learner who, after such assessment is found to need further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning qualifications before admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and electives modules at levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 368 Credits.

    Stream A: Life Sciences.
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Biology, 24 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 24 Credits.
  • Mathematics, 24 Credits.
  • Physics, 24 Credits.
  • English, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits: (Choose three modules):
  • Biochemistry, 40 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 40 Credits.
  • Biology, 40 Credits.
  • Physiology, 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 128 Credits: (Choose two modules):
  • Biochemistry, 64 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 64 Credits.
  • Biology, 64 Credits.
  • Physiology, 64 Credits.

    Or
    Stream B: Mathematical Science.
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 48 Credits:
  • English, 24 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules (Mathematical Science), NQF Level 5, 72 Credit: (Choose Three modules):
  • Applied Mathematics, 24 Credits.
  • Computer Science, 24 Credits.
  • Statistics, 24 Credits.
  • Physics, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 40 Credits:
  • Mathematics, 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 80 Credits: (Choose Two modules):
  • Physics, 40 Credits.
  • Applied Mathematics, 40 Credits.
  • Computer Sciences, 40 Credits.
  • Statistics, 40 Credits.
  • Physiology, 40 Credits.

    Electives Modules, NQF Level 7, 128 Credits: (Choose Two modules):
  • Mathematics, 64 Credits.
  • Computer Sciences, 64 Credits.
  • Statistics, 64 Credits.
  • Physics, 64 Credits.
  • Applied Mathematics, 64 Credits.

    Or
    Stream C: Physical Science.
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 96 Credits:
  • English, 24 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 24 Credits.
  • Mathematics, 24 Credits.
  • Physics, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 5, 24 Credits (Choose one module):
  • Applied Mathematics, 24 Credits.
  • Biology, 24 Credits.
  • Statistics, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules (Physical Science), NQF Level 6, 80 Credits:
  • Chemistry, 40 Credits.
  • Physics, 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 40 Credits: (Choose one module):
  • Biochemistry, 40 Credits.
  • Mathematics, 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 128 Credits: (Choose two modules):
  • Mathematics, 64 Credits.
  • Biochemistry, 64 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 64 Credits.
  • Physics, 64 Credits.

    Or
    Stream D: Occupational and Environmental Science.
    Compulsory Modules (Occupational and Environmental Science), NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • English, 24 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 24 Credits.
  • Mathematics, 24 Credits.
  • Biology, 24 Credits.
  • Psychology, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules (Occupational and Environmental Science), NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Biochemistry, 40 Credits.
  • Physiology, 40 Credits.
  • Psychology, 40 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules (Occupational and Environmental Science), NQF Level 6, 128 Credits:
  • Physiology, 64 Credits.
  • Psychology, 64 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Use life sciences terminology, understand, evolution, cell biology, systems, invertebrate and vertebrate systems and classifications, genetics and concepts of ecology.
    2. Work independently and as members of a team.
    3. Application of current chemical and scientific theories, including those in Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistries.
    4. Design and carry out scientific experiments as well as accurately record and analyse the results of such experiments.
    5. Skilled in problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical reasoning as applied to scientific problems.
    6. Communicate the results of scientific work in oral, written and electronic formats to both scientists and the public at large.
    7. Function as a member of an interdisciplinary problem-solving team.
    8. Use Information Technology effectively and critically, collecting, analysing, organising, and critically evaluating information, and demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.
    9. Use Mathematics and its application effectively and critically, collecting, analysing, organising, and critically evaluating information, solving problems, working effectively with people as a member of a team, and demonstrating an understanding of the world.
    10. Prepare learners for a career in the industry by teaching them laboratory skills and instrumentation while building a fundamental understanding of physics to be applied in any relevant field.
    11. Use, apply and understand occupational and environmental science terminology and related theories. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Identify, describe and explain the core concepts and principles of the discipline.
  • Apply core concepts and principles to standard problems.
  • Describe and explain examples of changes in knowledge and understanding in a discipline.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how scientific information and ideas become generally accepted.
  • Use scientific reasoning to evaluate the quality of information.
  • Design, select and apply appropriate procedures for generating relevant information with due concern for bias and any ethical or safety considerations.
  • Conduct appropriate forms of enquiry by applying standard procedures within the discipline such as experimental or computational techniques, or deductive reasoning.
  • Collect and accurately and truthfully record data in appropriate formats.
  • Analyse data and scientific evidence are and from such analysis present valid arguments and conclusions.
  • Demonstrate logical thinking and identify simple and flawed scientific reasoning.
  • Reflect upon thinking and reasoning processes.
  • Use scientific language correctly to produce clear and coherent written documents, which follow appropriate scientific conventions.
  • Verbally present scientific information in front of others.
  • Use appropriate referencing conventions, avoid plagiarism and respect intellectual property.
  • Formulate, analyse and solve concrete and abstract problems, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Apply the knowledge of theory to particular real-world contexts.
  • Perform tasks related to necessary computer literacy skills.
  • Communicate and effectively communicate the outcomes of scientific group work respect for the contributions of each group member,
  • Evaluate public information dealing with current scientifically related issues critically.
  • Identify the socio-economic impact of scientific interventions in society.
  • Demonstrate appropriate study skills (e.g. learning from text, note-taking, summarising, analysis and synthesis).
  • Demonstrate effective time management, e.g. by completing tasks to deadlines.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment across the qualification forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process. In achieving the learning outcomes, learners are required to comply with the minimum assessments set for the level of the qualification, as per the Institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments vary depending on the module and the outcomes of the module; however, all modules are assessed through formative and summative. The formative assessments for the various specialisations generally comprise of consists of class, formal tests, assignments, quizzes amongst others. Summative assessments generally take the form of end of semester examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    At an international level, the qualification combined with Honours is comparable to the four-year qualification offered by Britain (the University of Manchester, University of Cambridge) and other British colonised countries in the African region. This qualification standard is comparable to other similar BSc qualifications from around the world about outcomes and assessment criteria, degree of difficulty and notional learning time.

    The National University of Ireland, Galway offers a similar BSc. The BSc Degree allows learners to specialisation in one scientific area of study. Learners develop critical thinking skills for both professional career and the personal interests.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with the above international ones since it presents an opportunity for learners to choose their own specialisation for further studies. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    These specialisations offer both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.